News

New network revs up digital signage at Daytona 500

Fans watched video and other digital media on almost 1,500 HD video displays and digital signage while also experiencing high quality Wi-Fi at this weekend's Daytona 500, thanks to a new network from CommScope.

February 22, 2016

When the green flag dropped for this past weekend's 58th annual Daytona 500, race fans not only will be watching the "The Great American Race," but also will be seeing an array of new technology deployed at Daytona International Speedway's motorsports stadium, according to an announcement from network specialist CommScope.

Fans watched video and other digital media on almost 1,500 HD video displays and digital signage while also experiencing high quality Wi-Fi. This technology would not be possible if it were connected to the Speedway's previously antiquated network infrastructure, according to CommSope, which is why the Speedway's new network runs on CommScope.

"We're creating the first and only motorsports stadium on the planet. We needed partners that understand our vision, who understand what 'best in class' is, and know what it's like to be under the spotlight," said Joie Chitwood III, president, Daytona International Speedway. "With CommScope, we found a partner that was ready for that challenge of reimagining a true American icon — Daytona International Speedway."

For the project, CommScope supplied fiber and copper cabling equivalent to more than 140 laps of the Speedway's famed tri-oval track, including:

• 250 miles of Category 6 structured cable, offering performance that exceeds Category 6 performance standards by up to 300 percent, with a cost-effective design and robust reliability that "can help make network downtime a thing of the past."
• 100 miles of single-mode fiber-optic cable, designed to operate from 1,280 nanometers to 1,625 nanometers to increase the useable wavelength range over conventional single-mode fiber by more than 50 percent and future-proof the network for next-generation equipment.
• 12,500 terminations to create a comprehensive connectivity solution throughout the stadium.

In addition to the video displays, digital signage and Wi-Fi, the Speedway's network needed to be equipped with network bandwidth and flexibility to offer services that would both enhance the fans' experience and improve track operations. CommScope said its comprehensive cabling infrastructure solution connects and supports virtually every communication and facility management function in the Speedway, including:

• High-resolution security cameras;
• Fire and safety services; and
• HVAC and lighting controls.

"The Speedway's network infrastructure was old and outdated," said Dr. Ispran Kandasamy, global leader, Building Solutions, CommScope. "The Daytona Rising redevelopment project provided the Speedway with the opportunity to start with a clean slate — and CommScope delivered a comprehensive solution ensuring that all the new communications components work together seamlessly to help deliver memorable user experiences on each and every occasion."

Daytona Rising was a $400 million renovation project to the Speedway that expanded and redesigned five of its entrances (now called injectors) that lead fans to a series of escalators and elevators, transporting them to three different concourse levels. Each level features spacious social areas, or "neighborhoods," along the nearly mile-long front stretch. The Speedway now has 101,500 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession and merchandise stands. In addition, the Speedway will feature more than 60 luxury suites with trackside views and a completely revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests.

"The solutions that we're enabling will keep fans connected throughout the stadium and allow them to experience the event at a higher level, and with greater ease, than ever before," said Craig Neeb, executive vice president, chief development and digital officer, International Speedway Corp., which owns the Speedway. "The technology will also help our operations team provide a safe, comfortable environment for our fans to enjoy the race."